United Kingdom on Thursday named a new ambassador to the United States, replacing a diplomat who was fired over his links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Christian Turner, currently the U.K.'s permanent representative to the United Nations, will replace Peter Mandelson, who was sacked in September because of his friendship with Epstein.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the 53-year-old Turner was "one of the U.K.'s most experienced senior diplomats" and called on Washington to agree to his appointment.
The appointment comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has been critical of Europe and at a time when Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his European peers are pushing to make sure that a U.S.-brokered peace plan between Russia and Ukraine does not leave Kyiv vulnerable.
"The United Kingdom and United States have a very special relationship, and Christian's extensive experience as an outstanding diplomat will support this uniquely close bond and ensure it continues to flourish," Starmer said.
